Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
WHAT ARE THE MOST SCENIC GRAVEL ROUTES IN EUROPE?
Gravel cycling has exploded in Europe, offering riders a middle ground between road precision and mountain-bike adventure. Beyond smooth tarmac lies a network of ancient farm tracks, forest paths, and alpine routes that immerse cyclists in raw landscapes and cultural heritage. Unlike road racing’s focus on speed, gravel emphasizes exploration—quiet backroads, historic trails, and endless panoramas. This article explores the most scenic gravel routes in Europe, from Italy’s rolling vineyards to Scotland’s rugged highlands, detailing what makes each unique and why they’ve become essential rides for gravel enthusiasts.
Italian and Mediterranean classics
Italy is often hailed as the cradle of gravel cycling thanks to its iconic “strade bianche” (white roads). These limestone tracks wind through Tuscany’s vineyards, olive groves, and medieval towns, offering a blend of cultural richness and challenging terrain. Mediterranean climates further extend the season, making Italy, Spain, and Greece year-round gravel havens.
Highlights in Southern Europe
The Eroica route in Tuscany is legendary: 200+ kilometers of gravel roads through Chianti hills, offering both organized events and self-guided experiences. In Spain, the Girona gravel network extends from the Catalan countryside into the Pyrenees, blending Mediterranean coastlines with rugged climbs. Mallorca also features gravel connectors between mountain passes, allowing riders to escape tourist traffic. In Greece, Peloponnese gravel loops reveal ancient ruins and coastal views, with olive groves serving as natural rest stops.
Eroica Tuscany – the heart of strade bianche tradition.
Girona gravel – a pro hub with Mediterranean flair.
Mallorca off-road – hidden connectors between iconic climbs.
Peloponnese routes – ancient landscapes with seaside gravel.
These southern European gems highlight gravel’s balance: physical challenge, scenic immersion, and cultural depth all in one ride.
Nordic wilderness and northern trails
In northern Europe, gravel cycling feels like pure adventure. Vast forests, glacial valleys, and coastal fjords define routes that are as remote as they are breathtaking. Scandinavia in particular has embraced gravel as a way to explore untamed landscapes with minimal traffic and maximum immersion.
Scenic gravel routes in the north
Finland’s Lakeland routes offer endless gravel paths linking lakes, saunas, and pine forests. In Norway, the Rallarvegen trail is a classic, stretching 80+ kilometers through alpine passes originally built for railway construction—now a magnet for cyclists. Sweden’s gravel networks in Dalarna and Jämtland provide rolling forest terrain with wildlife encounters and serene isolation. Across the North Sea, Scotland’s Highland routes, such as the Cairngorms Gravel Loop, combine ancient military roads with modern bikepacking allure.
Rallarvegen (Norway) – alpine history on gravel tracks.
Finland Lakeland – serene forests and lakeside roads.
Swedish Dalarna – rustic gravel and cultural heritage.
Scottish Highlands – wild, rugged bikepacking classics.
The north emphasizes solitude and scale. Gravel here isn’t just exercise; it’s immersion in wild landscapes where silence and scenery dominate.
Central and alpine adventures
Europe’s heartland combines dense cultural networks with alpine drama. Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia are packed with gravel potential, often along historic trade routes, river valleys, and mountain passes that test both endurance and skill. These routes cater to riders chasing big climbs and postcard-worthy vistas.
Standout alpine gravel rides
In Switzerland, the Alps Gravel Tour around Graubünden links valleys and high-altitude meadows with panoramic views. Germany’s Bavarian forest routes mix castles, rivers, and rolling gravel climbs. Austria’s Salzkammergut region offers lakeside tracks that shift into alpine ascents. Slovenia’s Julian Alps gravel loops, particularly near Lake Bled and Triglav National Park, showcase limestone peaks and turquoise rivers, making them some of the most scenic rides in central Europe.
Graubünden Gravel (Switzerland) – alpine meadows and big climbs.
Bavarian forest routes – castles and rolling gravel terrain.
Salzkammergut trails (Austria) – lake views with alpine passes.
Julian Alps (Slovenia) – dramatic peaks and pristine rivers.
Adventure culture in the Alps
Gravel in the Alps is more than a sport—it’s tied to outdoor culture. Cyclists share trails with hikers and skiers, staying in mountain huts that make multi-day rides accessible. This infrastructure, combined with epic terrain, makes the Alps central to Europe’s gravel boom.
Ultimately, the most scenic gravel routes in Europe stretch across the continent: from Tuscany’s strade bianche to Norway’s alpine trails, from Slovenia’s Julian Alps to Scotland’s wild Highlands. They offer cyclists adventure, culture, and nature in equal measure. Gravel riding here isn’t just about covering distance—it’s about writing stories on roads less traveled.
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